William Jackson Palmer envisioned, built and endowed towns, railways, mills, and cultural institutions that mark the landscapes of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Mexico. Those are Palmer's legacy and a living reminder of his role in opening the region's resources to industry, commerce, agriculture, and colonization. Although revered in his lifetime, he shunned publicity, leaving questions about his character, personality, influences, motives and relationships. The 2005 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium hosted a panel of respected researchers and educators who explored and developed new images of the legends, labors, and loves of Colorado Springs’ founder, William Jackson Palmer.

Calvin P. Otto- emcee

“Our Father Who Art in the Intersection, Or, Where Does William Jackson Palmer Belong?,” by Katherine Scott Sturdevant

“One of the Most Gallant Men of the Army” William Jackson Palmer and the Medal of Honor,” by Mark L. Gardner

“General William Jackson Palmer’s Riding Accident, Palliative Care and Death, 1906-1909: An Early 21st Century Review,” by Lynn A. Gilfillan-Morton

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The Pastcast

PPLD’s Pikes Peak Pastcast is an audio podcast of the presentations from the annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium events and other related content. The symposia, and affiliated Regional History Series of books and DVDs, chronicle the unique and often undocumented history of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.